We are "Different"

Jillian: Mom, we have the same butt.
Rebecca: Who has the same butt?
Jillian: Me and Matty (Jillian's cousin)
Rebecca: You do? I think it is different.
Jillian: No, we have the same butt, but different pee-pee. We are different.
Rebecca: Ahhh...I see.

Samuel Stands!

Samuel can now pull himself up and stand. He woke up around 2 a.m. crying and when I went to get him, he was standing, holding on to the crib railing - so cute!

Samuel Crawls!

Samuel has been trying to crawl for the last couple of weeks and finally mastered the skill yesterday. He's so excited - he'll giggle as he crawls around the house!

Samuel's Allergy Test

Samuel had an allergy test today. It was interesting. The test was done by smearing suspect items on his back. He was tested for milk, soy, egg, peanut, wheat, and dust mite. Unfortunately, he tested positive for most of these items - milk, soy, egg, and peanut. Wheat showed up negative, but is still a suspect as he broke out in hives (more like welts) after eating a sky flake cracker a month ago. A blood test will be done next and then an oral food challenge using the sky flake cracker. Poor guy - we are hopeful he will outgrow these allergies.

Jillian's 4th Birthday Safari Celebration

We threw Jillian a Safari birthday party for her fourth birthday on July 4.

Three giraffes, two tigers, one zebra, and one cheetah came to visit - what a blast! One giraffe went home with Jillian's little cousin Annabella and one tiger went home with cousin Vincent- the rest have found a home throughout our house (oh boy!). When Jillian is ready to part with them, Rebecca will find a suitable home for each of them.


"Mom, now that we had a zebra cake birthday party, can we do it again and get a giraffe cake?"

Jillian's First Haircut - I change my mind on the green glitter...

Jillian got her very first haircut on July 3. She was a little hesitant at first but really enjoyed it.

"Mom, well, that was fun..."

If you look closely at the second picture, she has little green glitters on her hair. Jillian didn't like that too much - I didn't as well ;) - we washed it off as soon as we got home.

Da Da Da Da

Samuel spoke his first word yesterday (June 27, 2008). He keeps repeating "da da, da da, da da...". Rebecca is not sure if he's really referring to Ed. Ed seems to think he is - of course!

Samuel Sitting...Barely

Picture taken on June 13, 2008. Samuel is just about 7 months and can sit for a few seconds before tipping over (just enough time for Rebecca to snap a shot).

Diva Jillian

Picture taken on June 1, 2008.

Jillian poses with Coach sunglasses and a shopping bag. What a Diva!

At last, Rebecca finds a shopping partner for life and Ed shakes his head in distress, knowing he's in deep trouble.

At last...a decent picture of Mom and Son

It's hard to get a picture of Samuel and Rebecca together when Rebecca is the main family photographer. Rebecca's sister Theresa helps out by snaping a great one! This was taken on 5/31/08 - Cousin Tim's Wedding.

Father and Son with Similar Expressions

Ed and Samuel poses for a picture at Cousin Tim's wedding (5/31/08). It appears they may be sharing the same thought?

Affectionate Jillian and Samuel Nursing

Rebecca nurses Samuel during cousin Tim's wedding (5/31/08). Jillian gives him kisses.

Jillian with Cau Huan (Uncle Moses)

Jillian loves hanging out with her Cau Huan (aka Uncle Moses). Cau Huan often takes her to the zoo. This picture was taken on May 31, 2008 at my cousin Tim's wedding.

"Stay Home Dad"

On Monday Ed returned to work from a 12 week paternity leave. Jillian is not at all happy about Dad not being at home with her all day. Here's their conversation as Ed gets ready to leave for work.

Jillian: Stay home Dad - don't go to work. Change your pants.
Ed: I would love to stay home with you but I have to go to work.
Jillian: Why?
Ed: So I can pay for your upcoming birthday party
Jillian: Oh...well, let me walk you out.

Oldest and Youngest

Riely (14 years) is the oldest amongst the kids on Ed's side of the family. Samuel's the youngest (6 months). Picture taken on May 18, 2008.

Stare-down with Cousin Riely

Riely (Ed's brother Rick's son) taking a close look at Samuel. Picture taken on May 18, 2008.

"Well, next time you know!"

Rebecca made a mistake and mumbled, "Why did I just do that?". Jillian overheard and responded, "Well, next time you know!".

"The hot is getting bigger"

We made a trip down South to visit Ed's mom in March (a week before Rebecca returned to work). It was quite warm (90+ degree weather). One evening, we all got into the car, heading for dinner, Jillian shouted, "Mom, Mom, the hot is getting bigger and bigger".

Announcing Samuel Paul

This is Samuel's birth announcement.

The picture was taken on February 4, 2008 - he is 2 1/2 months old here.

Sister and Brother

Jillian and Samuel pose together for a picture (taken on 1/19/2008). Jillian is three years old and Samuel is two months old.

Samuel is smiling and talking (baby talk, or course) at two months - so much earlier than Jillian.

Samuel meets Grandma Hwang

Ed's mom comes up to visit from Southern California. Picture taken on November 25, 2007.

Samuel meets Grandma Chin

Young Ja (Ed's Stepmother) comes to visit and meets Samuel for the first time (11/25/2007).

Samuel meets Ong Ba (Grandpa & Grandma Nguyen)

Rebecca's mom and dad comes to visit and meet Samuel the day he is born. This is their ninth grandchild (#8 boy!).

Happy Birthday Samuel!

Samuel's birthday - November 19, 2007. Ba (aka Grandma) is holding him while Auntie Theresa snaps a shot.

Jillian meets Samuel

Jillian meets her baby brother, Samuel, for the first time (the day he was born - 11/19/2007). She's been waiting for 9 months and was very excited! "Where's William", she asked. We were going to name him William, but changed or minds.